How to select 2G service over 3G in 3 network?

suman_das

I have a Sony Ericsson K800i and a Nokia 6288 in 3 network. I understand 2G consumes less power than 3G and would like to permanently select 2G. How do you do that?
In the SE K800i, I can go to settings>>connectivity>>mobile networks>>select network and perform a search. It finds 3 on 3G and 2G (I think, there are several icons for 3), but if I select 2G, after a while it automatically seems to revert back to 3G. Am I doing something wrong? Or is it that I cannot select 2G on 3 network?
What about the other handset (Nokia 6288)?
I have been told by 3 customer service that I cannot select 2G on their network, is that correct?
Thanks for your help.

z4kir

First of all is there not an option to choose the network manually? I think the phone is still set on automatic which is why it reverts back to 3G.

As far as 3 are concerned 2G is only to be used when the 3G network is not available, so it may be that the phones firmware is automatically doing this and it cannot be overwritten (maybe flashing the phone with non-3 branded firmware might work?)

The 2G network is operated by Orange, therefore when a user uses it, 3 are charged by Orange, if they are being charged excessively then they must be able to pick up on this. Probably explains why ppl who use non-3g handsets get a txt message telling them off!

suman_das

Thanks Z4kir, I guess you are right, as even the Nokia phone which lets me do a manual search and select 2G on 3, reverts back to 3G immediately afterwards.